Thursday, September 03, 2009

I don't expect anyone except my mom (hi mom!) to read this, so please bear with me while I reflect a bit. I've been on the full-speed-ahead posting-a-recipe-a-day train for a while now, and I've been itching to take some time to reflect on where this journey has taken me so far. I think this, post #300 (whoaaa), is just the right occasion to do that. ...

Before now, I've never gravitated towards a hobby or excelled at anything artistic or athletic, especially as a kid. I was always the girl with my nose in a book being sensitive and thoughtful and sweet, and that's about it. I feel like, now that I'm finding my niche in the kitchen, I'm seeing the world (and myself) differently. I want to take pictures of everything and I want to write about it and I'm feeling, for the first time in my life, like maybe I *am* a creative person. I still have everything, everything, everything to learn, but I'm pretty proud of how far I've come since I started blogging.

I started Playing House as a way to keep myself accountable. I wanted to cook more, and thought that maybe if I documented it that it would be a more interesting adventure. I was sure that I'd do it for a week or 2 and then quit, just like I've done with every other hobby (not that I'm a quitter, I just enjoy dabbling). It turns out that this little experiment worked far better than I predicted.

I never, ever intended for anyone to read this, in fact I was quite adamant about that at first, which is obvious throughout my early posts. Somewhere along the way, that changed, and I started connecting with people out there in the great big internet. Other than the "I can cook well" feeling, that's by far been my favorite part of being a blogger. "Meeting" people I never would have encountered in life otherwise, and making wonderful connections and even friendships, makes me especially happy. So thanks to anyone who's ever stopped by, or left a comment, or tweeted with me, or blogged at all, or enjoyed reading blogs, because that inspires me. Sending big hugs to you all, and here's to 300 more!

16 comments:

That's great! I too have been a dabbler - and still am to some degree with many things. But I've been inspired lately to start pursuing some of these things I've dabbled in a bit more wholeheartedly. Not sure if starting a blog would help keep me accountable, but it's a thought. I enjoy reading your postings & have tried a few of the recipes you've posted (and they've turned out great!). Keep it up! I, for one, will keep reading!

You blog is literally my favorite cooking blog. I love it. I actually just started learning how to cook and I've highlighted a couple of your recipes on my blog (I hope you don't mind, I always give your blog tons of credit and tell everybody about it.) You really are doing an awesome job with your website. Kudos!

I totally understand what you mean about finding a niche in the kitchen, and realizing that maybe you can be creative after all. That there, in your post, is pretty much exactly how I've been feeling lately, so thank you for putting it into words! I still feel like I'm fumbling along, but I'm gradually learning, and sometimes it's quite fun to look back and see the improvement.

Congratulations on your 300th post! May the next 300 bring you even more enjoyment, and even more new friends. :)

Happy 300th post! I, too, love how blogging has connected me to so many incredible people from around the world (literally!) whom I never would have otherwise known. It has opened not just my mind, but also my life, to incredible possibilities. I always love your posts and look forward to another 300 more! ;-)

You are so inspiring, Amy. I have been good at things through out my life but have never stuck to anything. I always figured that I just haven't found what I truly love to do yet. Something that never gets old. I was starting to believe that maybe I just didn't have that gene that makes you stick to one thing. Meeting you and getting to know you and reading your blog has given me hope again that I'll find that something I will never get tired of. Thank you for being an inspiration! I love everything about your blog! Happy 300!

I am bursting with admiration at your latest incredible accomplishment! Bless your heart, girl! As to creativity, your wedding to Andy was a marvel of beauty, organization, spirit and imagination--so I definitely think you've got the creative gene...it's coming out in yet another way!